In 1970, San Francisco firefighter Cecil De Loach and his wife Christine staked their claim in the wine grape business by purchasing 24 acres of old-vine Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. In the early seventies, the De Loaches decided to acquire additional vineyard land. For several years they watched others make notable wine from their grapes before making the decision to produce wine under the De Loach label in 1975.
Bernardus Winery, founded by the well-traveled and discerning Bernardus (Ben) Pon, is situated in the picturesque Carmel Valley. Pon could have chosen any location worldwide for his namesake winery, yet he selected Carmel Valley for its ideal west-facing orientation, warm days, cool nights, and breathtaking scenery. He was confident that this unique environment would allow his vineyards to produce wines that could compete with the finest globally. Over 25 years later, Pon achieved this goal with his acclaimed estate Bordeaux blend, Marinus, named after his middle name, as well as a distinguished collection of single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Nearly two decades ago, Pon also anticipated the needs of wine enthusiasts by opening the first tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. He transformed the former Bank of America building into a welcoming space for wine tasting and education. Today, the Village hosts over 20 tasting rooms, with the Bernardus Tasting Room offering not only exceptional wines but also a charming outdoor patio, a private room for wine dinners, and a comfortable lounge.
Following Ben Pon’s passing in September 2019, Bernardus Winery continues under the leadership of his business partner, Robert van der Wallen. A fellow Dutchman and advocate for quality, van der Wallen shares Pon’s vision and commitment to maintaining the winery's high standards. He has also founded Bernardus Golf reflecting the same emphasis on innovation and excellence as Pon’s legacy. With a passion for fine art, golf, and wine, van der Wallen is dedicated to advancing the Bernardus legacy for years to come.
Tom and Mary Stubbs fell in love with West Marin long before they planted their first vines. The fog-shrouded vales just inland from Tomales Bay on their 600 acres are quite similar in climate to that of some major grape-growing areas nearby: Napa's Carneros region, the Sonoma Coast, and the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County.
John and Barbara Drady founded SCV with winemaker Anthony Austin in 2001. Their affinity for the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscape brought them to the Sonoma Coast and their passion for Pinot Noir drove them to create Sonoma Coast Vineyards.
Combining over two decades of wine industry experience, John and Barbara teamed with Tony to utilize his wealth of expertise and experience to create the stunning wines of SCV.
Fantesca Estate & Winery stands as a distinguished symbol of refined viticulture with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. In 2004, the estate embarked on a new chapter when Susan and Duane Hoff, driven by their deep passion for wine and extensive industry knowledge, transitioned from their corporate careers to take over as proprietors.
During their transformation of Best Buy into a Fortune 100 giant, Susan and Duane found tranquility in quiet evenings, bonding over shared glasses of wine. This intimate ritual sparked their passion for viticulture and inspired their dream of establishing a family-run business that centers around community and the convivial spirit of wine. Dedicated to crafting rare and exceptional wines, they have created an environment that offers unforgettable experiences for members and guests.
To bring their vision to life, the Hoffs assembled a team of esteemed figures from the wine world, including winemakers Heidi Barrett and Tony Arcudi, and Director DLynn Proctor. Their collective expertise has resulted in a celebrated collection of wines, each bottle reflecting the team’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition.
The Fantesca experience extends beyond the bottle, offering immersive events that capture the essence of winemaking and foster a sense of community. At Fantesca Estate & Winery, every bottle embodies the spirit of Napa Valley, where history, passion, and community converge to create a legacy defined by dedication, craftsmanship, and a profound love for exceptional wines.
Hit the tasting room in Los Olivos for an afternoon of Pinot drinking. Staff very friendly and fun to taste with. Pinot is solid and enjoyable. This place is nearby several tasting rooms. Upon entering, it was calm and quiet. Since it was a weekday, it was a much different ambiance from the busy weekends as mentioned by the staff. The tasting included three whites and three reds. It was three chardonnays, two pinot noirs, and one syrah.
Hart's Desire had absolutely exceptional wines, and very many at that. They had a lot of varietals that you rarely find elsewhere in Sonoma County except for in blends, such as Malbec, Claret, and Cabernet Franc. Their tasting room has beautiful artwork and has an old school jukebox playing great tunes!
Discover the Magic of Brassfield Estate Winery in Beautiful Lake County
Perched high in the High Valley AVA of Lake County, California, Brassfield Estate Vineyards & Winery offers a winemaking experience like no other. At an altitude that only 1% of vineyards worldwide can match, this unique estate breaks free from the traditional norms of valley floor wineries.
At Brassfield, precision and sustainable farming form the foundation of their craft. They produce an impressive selection of 17 varietals, ensuring that from vine to bottle, the wines never leave their expert hands. This commitment extends beyond winemaking; they care deeply for the land they inhabit, the wildlife they coexist with, and the guests who visit.
From the breathtaking estate in Clearlake Oaks to your glass, Brassfield Estate invites you to experience the exceptional wines and stunning surroundings that make every visit unforgettable. Join them today and taste the magic for yourself!
Donum Estates' guided wine tasting options offer an immersive experience that blends wine, land, and art. Guests explore some of California's finest award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while enjoying the natural beauty of the terroir and the global art collection throughout the Estate.
Each tasting is carefully curated with thoughtfully sourced materials, including hand-blown glassware, ceramic plates crafted from Estate clay, and canapés made with produce from the culinary garden and olive oil from the olive grove.
Visitors are invited to experience the Donum Estate's signature Carneros property, situated between Napa and Sonoma Counties. This 60-minute experience begins with a splash of one of Donum's award-winning wines, followed by a tasting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the certified organic Carneros Estate Vineyard. The tasting is complemented by a guided walking tour of the Estate.
Very impressive Pinot vintages. The ever so delicate grapes are grown right in the St. Lucia highlands where the cool coastal air enters through an inlet in the valley and keeps the berries cool and mild. The result is an amazing explosion of flavors that hints of fruit varietals suitable for any occasions. The sommelier on attendance was particularly witty and knowledgeable, a fine value of entertainment for $5. The tasting room's ambiance looked affluent but nothing pretentious, we felt welcome and greeted with smiles and laughter...well, a bottle of good Pinot Noir will always produce a smile.
